Congress Language

Japanese
*Simultaneous translation into English and Japanese will be provided in all sessions at the Main Hall.

Passport and Visa

To visit Japan, you must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa exempt agreements with Japan. Please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for visa requirements.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance.

Climate

The temperature in Tokyo during the period of the Congress ranges between 10 - 20 degrees Celsius.

Local Time

Japan Standard time is 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. The time difference for major Asian cities is shown below (decrease by 1 hour during Daylight Saving Time period):

	Beijing: -1 hour
	New Delhi: -3.5 hours
	Seoul: 0 (same)
	Singapore: -1 hour

Public Transportation

For general transport, taxis are plentiful but cost most. JR railroad has easy access to and from Tokyo station.

Currency

Currency in Japan is the Yen (yen/JPY). Notes are available in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 yen. Coins are minted in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, and 1 yen. Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at authorized foreign exchange banks and hotels where you stay. However we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen, U.S. dollars or Euros before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services.

Credit Card

American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.

Electricity

Electric current is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo and Yokohama, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 230 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only.

Tipping

In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere even at hotels and restaurants.

Shopping

Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.

Mobile Telephone

Mobile telephone rental is recommended, as most foreign cellular phones are not compatible with Japan’s network. Mobile phone rental shops are conveniently located at Narita and other international airports. Please check with your mobile network provider prior to your departure.